Family Fun
Portugal is a friendly, safe country, with a mild climate and an excellent cuisine, ideal to tour with the family. There are numerous activities designed for the little ones, both outdoors and indoors, in castles, museums, zoos, theme parks and aqua parks. Following the footprints of dinosaurs, watching dolphins and whales at sea or learning about the stars are just some ideas of what you can do.

Bicycle or donkey rides in natural parks and reserves are also much appreciated and a relaxed way to learn about and discover nature.

On the fine sandy beaches, with their calm waters and pleasant temperatures, children can run and play at will, swim and make sandcastles. But the greatest fun of all is to take advantage of the waves and introduce the whole family to surfing. As for rest, it’s easy to find a quiet hotel where parents and children will feel comfortable and recharge their batteries for the following day.

Religious Tourism
Portugal offers a roadmap of temples, devotions and religious festivals that you can follow out of faith or driven by a more universal spirituality, whether in search of the sacred or on a journey of self-discovery.

Starting in Fátima, Capital of Peace and one of the world’s most important Marian pilgrimage sites, there are many reasons for visiting, whether you are following the Cathedral route or to discover the simple shrines and chapels in honour of the local patron saint.

The Jews have also left their mark, particularly in Central Portugal, providing another reason for exploration. And there are also many paths travelled by pilgrims today, retracing the steps taken long ago to Santiago de Compostela.

After all, we are united in the same spirit of equality in difference, joined in a common cause which is the ancestral openness to others that is characteristic of the Portuguese. Motivated by this genuine predisposition for empathy and hospitality, in which we believe, we gladly welcome our visitors, whatever their religious belief.

Accessible Tourism
Holidaying in Portugal, visiting cities, touring the country to get to know its heritage or enjoying relaxing holidays at the seaside is within the reach of everyone.

Portugal has a good climate, with a great diversity of interests at short distances from each other and an assorted array of activities and tourist services, all prepared to receive all visitors equally, with our customary congeniality and friendliness.

Thinking about who needs special care or has greater difficulty when travelling, albeit temporarily, we have drawn up itineraries for 20 cities, indicating accessibility and suggesting routes that enable you to get around safely so that you can visit the main attractions in each place comfortably. There is also information about the various accessible beaches on the Portuguese coast.

Gastronomy
Portugal’s cuisine is as rich and varied as its landscape.

The most distinctive feature of Portuguese cuisine comes from the sea. As you enjoy a simple grilled fish, always fresh like the seafood that abounds from end to end along the coast, you can be sure that you are in Portugal! Cataplanas, bouillabaisses and any other fish or seafood dish are also excellent choices.

For meat dishes, our main suggestion is cozido à portuguesa, a mix of meats, vegetables and various sausages, cooked in a delicious way. We have excellent DOP (Protected Denomination of Origin) meats, from north to south, whether it’s beef, pork or kid. Many vegetables and fruit also preserve the taste of the old times, and some also have the DOP label, especially as many are produced organically.

Portuguese olive oil is of prime quality and is part of every dish, including cod (for which it is said that there are 1001 recipes!), which we excel at preparing and enjoying.

Each dish is matched to the right wine. The whole country produces wine and, while Port wine is famous, the Douro, Alentejo and many other table wines are no less superior.

And the cheeses! While Queijo da Serra (mountain cheese from Serra da Estrela) tops the bill, all the cheeses from Centro de Portugal, Alentejo and the Azores are delicious.

The sweets, whose roots go back to the many convents where they were originally prepared, even today make us “give thanks to heaven”. And a pastel de nata (custard tart) is a must. It is delicious with coffee, which we drink in the form of espresso.

At the end of a meal, we might make a toast with some Port or Madeira, fortified wines that have been spreading our name to faraway lands for centuries. Or with an excellent sparkling wine produced in Portugal, to celebrate a memorable meal provided by the country’s talented chefs.

Youth Tourism
Sun and sea, radical sports, natural parks, festivals and concerts – there’s a bit of everything in Portugal for a great holiday. However, just one holiday may not be enough, and you may have to keep coming to enjoy so many experiences.

The white sandy beaches are full of possibilities for fun-filled days, with calm or rough seas and countless activities to indulge in; or for sunbathing, being with friends and dancing the night away.

Inland, there are mountains and valleys to explore, observing nature or taking part in radical sports. There are also villages here that will take you back in time, where you can breathe clean air and discover ancient customs. And for the more cosmopolitan, there are plenty of cities with popular neighbourhoods and many monuments and museums to visit. Everyone needs a rest, and there is accommodation for every mood and budget, including Youth Hostels and Camp Sites.

But before chilling out, you must enjoy the nightlife vibes. With famous DJs in discos and cult bars; or in concerts and festivals featuring the best bands. The key is to join in, get into the mood and have fun into the night!

Surfing
Surfing is a 365 days a year activity in Portugal. Or 366 if it’s a leap year. This is not an exaggeration, since the extensive Portuguese coast offers great waves every day. And there are many ways to tackle them, it all depends on your skill and enthusiasm.

The diversity of natural conditions and an exceptional climate provide memorable experiences within everyone’s reach, from beginners to pros. It’s even said that there’s no other coastline in the world with so many spots so close to each other.

We have waves for every taste and discipline: from perfect tubes for surfing and bodyboarding, which are the setting for major international events, to giant waves, posing a challenge for the boldest surfers striving to ride their crests, and long waves that are among Europe’s longest. But there are still a few secrets waiting to be unveiled.

The wind is a great ally and offers unique conditions for windsurfing and kitesurfing, but there are many other sports for making the adrenaline run. And after a day at sea, the good vibes continue on shore, where there’s always a party, a festival, a bar or a nightclub to provide unending fun every night.

Nautical Tourism
The extensive Portuguese Atlantic coast is a paradise for lovers of pleasure boating, who will find here the perfect sea for them.

With calm waters for quiet sailing, or rough waters ensuring higher levels of adrenaline, the ocean displays its various moods that present no difficulties for those who know it well. The beauty of the landscape is a constant, with its towering cliffs, sand dunes and beaches, providing excellent settings for all water sports.

Some areas are considered among the best regatta locations in the world, so they often host international events and races. In the depths of the sea, divers can discover a world of biodiversity, with fish of every colour and even ancient treasures.

The History of Portugal is full of exploits by explorers who crossed uncharted seas, sailing beyond capes and braving storms, to reach the other side of the world. These days, sailing is done with the support of the latest technology, but the love of the sea, of adventure and of welcoming those who come to visit remains.

And visitors arriving by sea will find marinas and yacht harbours all over the country, with excellent facilities and services, where they can dock safely to then explore other wonderful places ashore.

Those who visit us will discover a lively people who enjoy the climate and the pleasure of being with each other, often in the open air, experiencing various activities surrounded by nature.

From kite surfing to bike rides over hill and dale, or rock climbing, abseiling and zip wiring for the more adventurous, the options are endless for those who like to keep active.

For those wanting to pump the adrenaline, Portugal has some great challenges in its perfect waves for surfing. Or windsurfing, sailing or paragliding with winds that are guaranteed to get the thrills soaring. Skiing and parasailing, too, provide some amazing experiences.

Try rafting, canyoning and canoeing on Portugal’s rivers. And discover their sources deep within the earth, going potholing to delve into unexplored caves.

To enjoy nature in all its charm, we recommend some calmer activities, such as hiking or horse riding, taking in the fragrance of the wild flowers on a beautiful sunny day. Or mountaineering, where apart from the stunning views, you can reach the highest peaks to be rewarded with a view of the nests and flight of birds of prey. There are also boat trips to see dolphins and whales, images that you will never forget.

There’s no shortage of ideas and suggestions, the landscapes offer a wealth of diversity and the fine climate will surely be on your side… We might even say that in Portugal, the best companion for adventures is Nature!

Nature
Portugal may be only a small country, but the variety of its landscapes and species is such that any trip, however short, is a pleasure of discovery.

From the towering mountains to the vast plains, from the wide sandy beaches with their gently rolling waves to the jagged coastline battered by rough seas, the country has a little of everything.

And there are also the islands of Madeira and Azores, oases of calm and tranquillity in the middle of the Atlantic, with lush vegetation, extinct volcanoes and caves full of natural carvings.

Wherever you are, the sun shines all year round, offering a mild climate that is ideal for enjoying nature and the outdoors.

Some of these places are true sanctuaries that have been preserved intact since the beginning of time. And many are the habitat of rare species of flora and fauna that enjoy here the ideal conditions to develop.

You can discover them on a walk for observation and contemplation, or in more adrenaline-filled sports and radical activities. They are unforgettable moments, and you will go away with the best holiday memories.

Playing golf in Portugal remains in the memories of all those who try it. And why? Excellent courses in stunning settings, a mild climate all year round and the friendly welcome given to golfers.

It’s hard to find a better destination for a golfing holiday. Chosen by the World Golf Awards as the Best Golf Destination in Europe for six years in a row, between 2014 and 2019, and as the Best Golf Destination in the World between 2014 and 2018, Portugal has a wide variety of courses, with features suitable for the different levels of difficulty and the available budget.

There are more than ninety courses around the country, with varied courses and great golf challenges, recognized by the most experienced golf professionals.

Many of the courses were designed by famous architects such as Robert Trent Jones Jr., Jack Nicklaus, Arthur Hills, Nick Faldo, Severiano Ballesteros, Henry Cotton, Rocky Roquemore and Arnold Palmer, the creator of the award-winning Victoria Golf Course, one of golf’s flagship courses, where the Portugal Masters has been held since it was first staged in 2007. One thing they all share is their environmental quality and the harmonious way in which they blend into the natural surroundings.

The Algarve and the Lisbon coast are well-known destinations for more experienced players and have won several international awards. They host major competitions on the professional tours, as does Madeira with its mountain courses. In the Azores, there’s also rustic golf that is played in a rural setting. But it was in Porto and the North that it all began, where Espinho, the second oldest course in mainland Europe, is located.

But the biggest challenge while you’re playing is not to have your concentration broken by the beauty and light of the surrounding countryside. We have courses that overlook the sea flanked by cliffs and dunes with white sand. And others surrounded by lakes and mountains, where the perfumes of flowers and herbs blend and become impossible to distinguish one from the other.

And even though games can be relaxed or hotly contested, the encounter concludes at a table in the clubhouse, or the restaurant… to practise a “sport” at which the Portuguese excel: socialising.

Our long coastline is bathed by the Atlantic ocean, which brought Portugal closer to other peoples and cultures. For company, there is bright sunshine that turns the skin golden and warms the soul.

The sun fills the fine white sands of our beaches with light and joy. Whether they are immense stretches of sand as far as the eye can see, or little coves sheltered by rocks, each beach has its own dazzling and surprising beauty. Some are crowded, with lots of entertainment, while other remain deserted and unexplored, holding secrets waiting to be unveiled… there’s always something for every taste and state of mind, whether it’s to stretch out and relax on the sand, take a walk by the sea, to enjoy a date or to have fun and party the night away.

But despite their many differences, the beaches do have something in common: their quality, demonstrated by the large number of EU blue flags awarded each year, certifying their excellent conditions and amenities.

The clear waters of the sea also have different moods. Some beaches have quiet, peaceful seas, especially in the Algarve, which even in the winter is a great holiday destination; others have livelier seas, with waves that are just right for various high adrenaline sports.

Many hotels and resorts enjoy stunning views of the ocean and are the perfect places to relax and enjoy their genuine hospitality. In addition, you can sit at a restaurant table to savour the delicious Portuguese cuisine, also tempered by the sun and the sea.

Romance in Portugal
Portugal is a land of romance. Something intangible hangs in the air that will seduce and enrapture you.

Whether in the country or by the sea, we open up our palaces, farms and manor houses to romance, giving a big-hearted welcome to anyone who visits.

Light and colour in Portugal are also a source of inspiration: the light and colour of the sea, but also the filtered light in a recess of the Sintra woods, the diffuse hues among the foliage that inspire poets, painters and lovers.

You can experience them in an alleyway in Alfama, in Lisbon, on the endless Alentejo plain or on the island of Madeira, the perfect setting for a honeymoon. And in many other places, such as the Azores or the Alentejo coast, where nature is waiting to be discovered.

No-one can resist the charm of a mediaeval castle adapted to modern times, where you can indulge in the comforts of living. Or a spa, a memorable meal, an endless stretch of beach, a wine tasting, a cultural and leisure programme.

A ride in a horse-drawn carriage, a dinner by candlelight, a sunset over the sea, all provide fond memories. Even if it’s just for a few days, the mild climate, the diverse landscape and the romantic atmosphere will ensure unforgettable moments in Portugal.

The land that is now Portugal has been inhabited for thousands of years and its national boundaries have been defined for eight centuries. This long history is reflected in a particular culture that is the result of the mixture of the many peoples who settled here and those that the Portuguese encountered on their journeys of Discovery.

It is found in the villages and towns, in the monuments and traditions, which bring together influences that the Portuguese have applied creatively. And the omnipresent sea has also shaped our personality and taken us beyond the continent of Europe, enabling us to learn and share with the rest of the world.

Manueline art, tiles and fado are unique expressions and genuine symbols of the Portuguese, but also a contribution to World Heritage. There are 24 such classifications by UNESCO in Portugal, including monuments, landscapes and intangible heritage.

By choosing a region, an itinerary or a specific theme, you can discover a unique heritage and different landscapes, all within a short distance, which still retain the authenticity of local customs. Moreover your tour will be complemented to perfection by the traditional cuisine and the customary hospitality in rural accommodation.

Porto and the North
It was in the Porto and in the North regions that Portugal was founded in the 12th century and the Portuguese became a people and a nation.

Porto, a World Heritage city, is the gateway and departure point for a journey across the natural and cultural diversity of the region. It is known for the Port wine which is shipped from here all over the world, but also for a heritage which combines ancient churches and monuments, such as the Cathedral and the Church of São Francisco, and modern buildings, such as Casa da Música and the Serralves Museum. And also for its School of Architecture which bred names like Álvaro Siza Vieira and Eduardo Souto de Moura, both winners of the Pritzker Prize.

The region is crossed by the River Douro which enters Portugal between the ravines and mountains of the interior to flow through the entire World Heritage landscape where the Port and Douro wines are produced. It is from here that the wine is sent to the lodges at Vila Nova de Gaia, as the cruises touring the region make their way upriver.

In this area of mountains and natural parks, the region’s heritage is seen in its castles, such as the one in Guimarães, and the shrines and churches which are the stage for pilgrimages in the summer. You will find the Baroque architecture of Northern Portugal in its stone and gilded carvings side by side with rural chapels. In its cities, which retain a human scale, such as Viana do Castelo, Braga, Lamego, Chaves and Vila Real, and in the manor houses and stately halls, you will find the genuine Portuguese people, who like to share their table, their customs and traditions. In Porto and Northern Portugal, the joy and gratitude for all we have and are is experienced in the most spontaneous way.

Centro de Portugal
In the interior of the country, there are mountains and villages of granite and schist. By the sea, fishing villages and cosmopolitan beaches with water sports set the pace of the day. And everywhere centuries old heritage proudly displays the history of the region.

Some of these places are so important for humanity that they have been included in the UNESCO list of world heritage. This is the case of the Monasteries of Alcobaça and Batalha, the Convent of Christ in Tomar and Coimbra University.

But there are other unique features that are well worth discovering. For example, the historic villages and castles that defended the nation’s borders. The Schist Villages and the towns of whitewashed houses, like Óbidos, a treasure within walls. The cities, where modernity is combined with tradition – Coimbra, the university city, Leiria, Aveiro between the Ria and the sea, and Viseu, Guarda and Castelo Branco, in which the stone architecture retains traces of an immemorial past.

Serra da Estrela, the highest peak in mainland Portugal, is the star of the mountains, with its endless landscapes and glacial lagoons. But there are also the Lousã, Açor and Caramulo ranges, where you can discover nature by hiking or by bike. Here you can also try rock climbing, abseiling, rafting or canoeing, for example in the Naturtejo Geopark, a preserved area where several species of birds and animals live.

The crystal clear waters that rise from the thermal springs balance the body and soul. And the beaches! River beaches surrounded by forests and coastal beaches open to the Atlantic ocean, provide certain freshness on hot summer days. They are also well known spots for surfers from around the world, who come for the perfect waves in Peniche, and even the giant waves in Nazaré.

There are flavours for every palate to comfort the stomach: cheese and sausages, bouillabaisses and roast suckling pig, honey and convent sweets; and for raising the spirits, you can rely on the excellent wines from the demarcated regions. They are all the product of the know-how of the people, who are genuinely welcoming in receiving their visitors with the best they have to offer.

Lisboa Region

Lisbon is Portugal’s capital and the hub of a multifaceted area that appeals to different tastes and senses.

In a city that has been influenced by many different far-off cultures over time, there is still a village feel in each historic neighbourhood. Stroll through the Pombaline grid of streets in the Baixa district that opens on to the Tagus in Praça do Comércio, then follow the river to discover some of the city’s most beautiful parts: the monumental area of Belém with its World Heritage monuments, the mediaeval quarters and the latest contemporary leisure spaces, such as the Parque das Nações.

If you continue to the mouth of the river, you’ll understand why we say that Lisbon is the centre of a vast resort. Along the coastal road you’ll find beaches and beach resorts that combine villas and hotels from the beginning of the 20th century with marinas, terraces and excellent golf courses. Further along the coast you’ll come across world-renowned surfing beaches, but also the palaces scattered across the cultural landscape of Sintra, a World Heritage Site.

The wide variety of landscapes and heritage is always close by, whether to the north or south of the capital. With beaches, natural parks, cultural routes and accommodation for all tastes, it is hard to escape the Lisbon region on a visit to Portugal.

Fado is another expression of what it is to be Portuguese that has also been awarded World Heritage status. You can hear it at night in a fado house or in a traditional neighbourhood. But go, as well, to the lively bars and nightclubs, to find other types of music. From reggae to African music, new wave, indie or electronic, there’s a great diversity of sounds and environments, but all are good excuses to have a drink and dance the night away.

Alentejo
The plains that extend as far as the eye can see start close to the Tagus. While to the north, the pace is set by the green of the flatlands, further south the landscape combines with the sun, the heat and a slower pace of life. This is the Alentejo.

To the north, the pastures of the marshlands; in the vast interior, unending flatness, and fields of wheat waving in the wind; at the coast, wild, beautiful beaches waiting to be discovered.

The vastness of the landscape is dotted with cork oaks and olive trees that withstand time. Santarém is a natural viewpoint over the immensity of the Tagus. Here and there, you find a walled town, such as Marvão or Monsaraz, or an ancient dolmen to recall the magic of the place. Around the hills, low, whitewashed houses stand on small knolls, castles evoke battles and conquests and the yards and gardens are witness to the Arab influences which shaped the people and nature.

In the Alentejo the power of the land marks the time and cities like Elvas and Évora, listed as World Heritage by UNESCO, show the tenacity of the people. Perhaps this is the reason that culture and spirituality take on a singular character here. These memories of the past are also shared by other cities, such as Santarém, Portalegre and Beja, and in the former Jewish quarters, particularly in Castelo de Vide.

The flat land makes hiking and cycling easy, though horses are also part of the landscape. You can combine these rides with birdwatching and, in dams such as Alqueva, with the tranquillity of the waters or stargazing.

But you must also explore the coast. The landscape here is hilly and rugged, with small sheltered coves between the cliffs, many of which are ideal for surfing. You will also breathe the scents of the countryside here, the aromatic herbs that season the fish, seafood and other regional fare to be accompanied by the region’s excellent wines. Indeed, the entire Alentejo lives according to the rhythm of the earth.

Algarve
It was here that, in the 15th century, the Portuguese set off on the epic journey that led them to discover other peoples and cultures… and it is in the Algarve that we cheerfully welcome many of our visitors. Even the climate is mild and sunny all year round!

There’s no shortage of high quality beaches either. Sandy stretches as far as the eye can see, framed by golden cliffs, virtually deserted islands marking the boundary between Ria Formosa and the sea, and small coves sheltered by the rocks. The ocean, in every shade of blue and mostly calm and warm, invites you for long swims and to indulge in water sports.

And there are also the mountains, where people live in harmony with nature and maintain traditions that they love to share. And the cities. Silves preserves traces of its Arab past and Lagos from the time of the Discoveries. More cosmopolitan Portimão and Albufeira are bustling towns by night and day. Tavira is a showcase for traditional architecture and Faro, the gateway to the region, deserves a long stop to discover its beautiful historic centre.

To relax, you can have various treatments in the spas and thalassotherapy centres and in the Monchique Thermal Baths. There are also many internationally acclaimed golf courses where you can enjoy a spot of exercise. And hotels, tourist villages, resorts, from the simplest to the most sophisticated. In short, a varied array sharing a genuine love for hospitality.

You can use footpaths and cycle trails to get to know the region, such as the Algarve Way inland or the Vicentine Route along one of the best preserved coastal stretches. And boat rides are another ecological way to observe the flora and fauna.

At the table, you will be delighted with the fresh fish and seafood, either grilled or in a casserole. These are divine flavours which you can enjoy on a simple beach terrace or in the most refined Michelin-starred restaurants, where chefs turn out new versions of traditional cuisine. They are further experiences not to be missed on a visit to the region.

Azores
Mother Nature has created a land full of natural beauty, ready to be explored, in the blue immensity of the Atlantic Ocean: the Azores.

To the East, on the island of Santa Maria, the beaches of warm white sand are inviting, and the vineyards covering the slopes like an amphitheatre resemble giant staircases. São Miguel, the largest island, is seductive with its Sete Cidades and Fogo Lagoons. The power that emanates from the earth is felt in the geysers, hot thermal waters and volcanic lakes, as well as in the tasty “Cozido das Furnas” slowly cooked inside the earth.

In the Central Group, the islands of Terceira, São Jorge, Pico, Faial and Graciosa are set harmoniously in the deep blue sea, where whales and dolphins can be spotted, to the delight of visitors. On Terceira, the World Heritage town of Angra do Heroísmo, as well as its festivals, is steeped in history. Faial is the cool blue of the hydrangeas, the marina painted colourfully by yachtsmen from all over the world and the extinct Capelinhos volcano, which resembles a lunar landscape. In front is Pico, a mountain that emerges from the sea, with vineyards planted in black lava fields, a unique culture that also has World Heritage status. On São Jorge, the highlights are the Fajãs and the cheese, a unique specialty with an unmistakable flavour. Graciosa, graceful in both name and appearance, is an island of green fields covered with vineyards that contrast with its peculiar windmills.

In the Western group, on the island of Flores, the beauty of the natural waterfalls and lakes carved out by volcanoes is dazzling. The tiny island of Corvo has a broad, beautiful crater at its centre, and attracts many species of birds coming from both Europe and America.

These are the Azores. Nine islands, nine small worlds that have as many similarities as differences, but where the friendliness of their inhabitants is shared by all.

Madeira
Right in the middle of the Atlantic, the islands of Madeira and Porto Santo are a haven of natural beauty. The exotic colours of the flowers stand out from among the blue sea and the emerald green vegetation; this is an archipelago where two thirds are a protected area and where the largest Laurisilva forest in the world is located.

The springtime temperature, felt all year round, cries out for open air activities. You can go for a walk along the network of levadas (irrigation channels), visit the city of Funchal and discover the heritage associated with the Discoveries or roam freely around the island. Boat rides are an excellent way of admiring the coastline from a different perspective.

In such a naturally welcoming environment, balance and well-being are taken for granted. Madeira offers various tourist complexes and accesses to the sea with prime conditions for leisure boating and scuba diving. The island of Porto Santo, in particular, is the ideal place to escape from stress and undertake a thalassotherapy programme, or a beach holiday combined with a spot of golf.

Popular feasts, which take place all year round, are opportunities to appreciate traditional gastronomic flavours and see Madeira partying, especially for the Carnival parades, the Flower Festival, the Atlantic Festival and, above all, the end-of-year fireworks display.